“That could happen. It is a little early to tell, but based on what he is going through: the post-concussion syndromes, the time he has been experiencing [post-concussion symptoms], the time he hasn’t been doing anything, it’s tracking that way.” [Chiarelli said.]

Beyond the salary cap implications, the next big question involves how, exactly, the Bruins will replace their No. 1 center (or whom will step in the open spot as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci move up a level).

“That spot is open and we’re going to have a look at Wheels (Blake Wheeler) in that spot. We’re going have a look at Zach [Hamill] in that spot. Some other different combinations. You may see Tyler [Seguin] go back to that spot. There’s a hole there. Even [Ryan] Spooner. He is making a case. He is young and in his first pro camp, but each day, each game he is getting better and he is such a smart player. He might be able to fill in.”

[snip]

“I’m looking internally right now. We have a real promising and good supply of players right now…I’m not looking externally right now and I don’t anticipate it, but that may change.”

Placing Savard on the IR would leave the Bruins with a little under $1 million in cap space with 21 roster spots filled, according to Cap Geek.com. You could do worse than Bergeron, Krecji with Wheeler and/or Seguin at center, but there’s little doubt that Boston would be improved with a healthy Savard in the mix.